Southwestern Library Association

The Southwestern Library Association (SWLA) was a professional organization for librarians and library workers in the southwestern United States and in Mexico.[1] It was headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma. It was founded on October 26, 1922, in Austin, Texas and designed primarily to serve library associations and librarians in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.[1] Elizabeth H. West, the State Librarian of Texas at the time, was the first president of SWLA. Dorothy Amann, president of the Texas Library Association from 1921-1922 was instrumental in visiting the states bordering Texas to encourage their participation.[2] Lillian Gunter, founder of the Cooke County Library, was also a SWLA co-founder.[2]:7

Southwestern Library Association
NicknameSWLA
FormationOctober 26, 1922
Dissolved1983
Parent organization
American Library Association

SWLA published the Southwestern Library Association Newsletter from 1959 through 1967. The organization is best known for its SLICE program (Southwestern Library Interstate Cooperative Endeavor) for interstate networking and continuing education.[3]

SWLA disbanded in 1983, when Louisiana joined the Southeastern Library Association, due to dwindling financial support.[1]

References
  1. "Southwestern Library Association: An Inventory of Southwestern Library Association Records at the Texas State Archives, 1920-1989, undated, bulk 1922-1983". University of Texas Libraries. 1981-08-21. Retrieved 2020-02-08.
  2. "Texas Library Champions - the First 100 Years" (PDF). Texas Library Journal. 78 (1): 2. Spring 2002. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  3. Duggan, Maryann (January 5, 1972). "S.L.I.C.E. Southwestern Library Interstate Cooperative Endeavor, First Quarterly Report for the Period 1 October-31 December, 1971". ERIC. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
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